Ghana in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Season
High Season
Temperature
24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F)
Crowds
High
Prices
High
December is part of the major dry season; coastal areas are particularly attractive with sunny weather and warm seas. This is a peak travel period with higher prices and crowded beaches and hotels. Plan and book ahead if traveling over the holidays.

Climate Map for December

Ghana average temperature in December
-30°-20°-10° 10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Ghana in December.

City Weather in December

City High Low Rain UV Feels
Kumasi 31° 22° 31 mm high Warm
Accra 32° 23° 25 mm very high Hot
Tamale, Ghana 35° 19° 4 mm very high Warm
Takoradi 31° 23° 58 mm very high Hot
Sekondi 31° 23° 57 mm very high Hot
Cape Coast 32° 23° 39 mm very high Hot
Achiaman 32° 23° 31 mm very high Hot

High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.

Coastal Belt - Greater Accra & Central Coast (Accra, Tema, Cape Coast)

Dry, breezy conditions set in during December as the Harmattan begins to arrive; mornings can be dusty with reduced visibility, but days are sunny and warm in the high 20s. Coastal evenings are comfortable and popular for open-air dining and festivals; however, the dust can irritate eyes and throat so travelers with respiratory concerns should carry masks or eye drops. Beach season picks up, and this is a top window for reliably dry weather along the coast.

Central Forest & Ashanti Plateau (Kumasi, Kakum, Lake Bosomtwe)

December sees dry, cooler mornings and crisp air on the plateau compared with the coastal strip; it’s a favorite month for trekking moderate trails and attending year-end festivals in the Ashanti region. Harmattan dust can occasionally reach the Ashanti Plateau but is less persistent than on the coast; evenings can cool noticeably, so pack a light sweater. Wildlife viewing improves as animals concentrate around remaining water sources.

Volta Region & Eastern Highlands (Ho, Wli Falls, Kwahu Plateau, Lake Volta fringe)

December brings dry, sunny days and cooler nights across the Volta highlands; Harmattan dust can reach lower valleys but the high sites often feel fresher and breezier. This is a popular time for weekend escapes from Accra to the hills-book ahead for the Kwahu Easter season build-up and holiday weekends. The dry weather makes waterfalls less dramatic but hiking and open-air activities are at their most comfortable.

Northern Savannah - Northern Region & Tamale (Tamale, Mole National Park, Bolgatanga approach)

December’s dry days and cool nights are prime for northern safaris and early-morning walks; daytime temps are warm but bearable and Harmattan dust can make the sunrise colours very dramatic. Lodges are busy with visitors wanting reliable game drives and clear skies for photography. Nights get noticeably cooler-pack a warm layer for early starts and late drives.

Upper East & Upper West - Far North (Bolgatanga, Wa, Bawku areas)

Dry, dusty conditions often dominate December as Harmattan picks up, producing coarse haze on some mornings but usually bright sunshine by midday; visibility can be reduced early in the day. Temperatures are comfortable compared with the pre-rain heat and travelers find the region pleasant for open-air touring and market walks. Bring a scarf and eye protection for dusty mornings and a light jacket for cool nights.

Events & Festivals in December

Christmas & New Year festivities
December hosts major public holidays and many local celebrations, drawing domestic and international visitors to beaches and cities.